Russell School of Ballet

Inclement Weather

RSB_admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:32:42 +0000

Due to inclement weather all classes for Saturday January 21, 2012 have been cancelled. Classes will resume on Monday January 23, 2012.

New Year, New Classes

RSB_admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:01:06 +0000

To ring in 2012, we are going to be offering some new classes. Starting on Tuesday, January 3rd at 10am, we’ll have our first day time adult intermediate ballet class, taught by Margaret Virkus. This class series will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 11:30am, so let’s dance. Also fresh this year, we will be offering ZUMBA classes. Starting in Februaruy, this wonderful, energetic class will be sure to have you moving in no time. For more information call the office at 703-803-1055.

Happy New Years

RSB_admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:35:52 +0000

Happy New Years Everyone. Classes are starting back up Monday, January 2nd. Let’s start 2012 off with a great first day back. Hope to see you there.

Show your support for RSB and The Fairfax Ballet

RSB_admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:55:40 +0000

Stop by the office to purchase your RSB car magnet for $6.00. This is a great way to show your support for the Russell School of Ballet and The Fairfax Ballet. We are looking forward to seeing RSB on all our cars!

Great News!

RSB_admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:56:40 +0000

Due to the popularity of our adult program, we will be adding daytime Adult Ballet Classes starting January 3, 2012. Margaret Virkus will be teaching class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-1130. Please stop by the office or give … Continue reading →

Current Rehearsal Schedules

RSB_admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:17:18 +0000

The rehearsal schedules for the upcoming performances have been posted on the bulletin board at the studio. Please check the board the next time you are at the studio for the most up-to-date notes and times.

Thank you!

RSB featured in the October / November Edition of Pointe Magazine!

RSB_admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:04:03 +0000

“Your Training: Hometown Advantage” by Ashley Rivers

This month’s edition of Pointe Magazine features an article about training at a small number of high-quality studios — including ours! Here’s an excerpt, but check out the whole article in the link above.

It’s the American dream, ballet-style: A small-town girl works hard, turns heads in the big city and wins her way to the top of a world-class company. Teresa Reichlen is one such story: Before joining New York City Ballet, she studied at The Russell School of Ballet in Chantilly, VA. “It’s nice to be a big fish in a small pond to start out,” she says. Instead of always dancing in the corps, “you get to perform the challenging parts.”

Several small studios around the country are producing professional-caliber dancers. These schools may not receive the same publicity as their counterparts with companies or boarding schools attached, but they prove that you don’t need high-profile training to make it as a dancer. In fact, the extra attention, performance opportunities and lower-stress environment might be what you need to grow—not just as a dancer, but as an artist.

The Russell School of Ballet
Chantilly, VA
Directors Karla and Hans Petry, the husband and wife team at The Russell School, offer a nurturing environment, and students and teachers become close in this tight-knit community.
Classes: Ballet, pointe, variations, character, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, stretch
Number of students: 375–400 (audition required for higher-level classes)
Performances per year: Three
Competitions: No
Alumni: Teresa Reichlen (NYCB principal), Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch (Martha Graham Dance Company principal), Ian Thatcher (formerly with SFB, PNB and Ballets de Monte Carlo)
Fun fact: The school is beginning its 47th year.